Nick Singer, operations director at Star Amusements, said: “Our immediate priority is essential repairs to protect the building, followed by a phased restoration to bring it back into use.
“Our ambition is to create a high-quality, family-focused leisure and entertainment destination that can once again make the Kursaal a central attraction on the seafront.”
The deal does not involve any financial subsidy from the Labour-led council.
Queen and AC/DC have performed at the Kursaal since it opened, as well as local rock band The Kursaal Flyers.
In a survey, more than 200 people have made suggestions about how the building should be used.
The Southend East and Rochford MP, Labour’s Bayo Alaba, said: “The legacy of the Kursaal runs deep through our local history and continues to hold a special place in the memories of so many residents.”
